lunch time has been a real treat for the ladies of fort watters as of late. with little brother swaddled tight and sleeping soundly in the back room, we've had the noon hour all to ourselves, concocting meals, sharing stories, and really bonding as mother and daughter.
i cherish this special time of ours together. stella gets me all to her sweet self, and in return, i get all of her. so sacred this little tradition of ours has become.
although it goes unsaid, i know she looks fondly on this time, too. after getting her yellow step stool from their nursery, she leans her belly on the counter to help me make lunch. carefully, with her fingers stained shades of pink, she places precut beets atop leafy greens. she crumbles goat cheese, sneaking a few bites for herself, on the corner of the plate. she sets the table and makes sure to get each of us a cloth napkin.
"stella do it too mom" is a phrase i hear often. our little girl is craving independence and feels remarkably special when able to pursue it. as her mother, it makes me so proud. overjoyed. a bit nervous at times. thankful.
after our lunch is prepared we move to our dining room. we put on some music or listen to a sermon together, share bites back and forth, sip carrot juice, and immerse ourselves in the time that has been given to just us gals. it has become our special time together, a tradition near to both our hearts. one i hope to carve out, day after day, season after season.
though seemingly obvious, i have found that each child, no matter their age, needs quality one-on-one time with their caregiver. though nursing theodore is one of the best things i've ever done as a mother, it takes up so much of my time. every two hours it's just he and i together in our velvet blue chair. thus, it is just as important to remember to put him down and really focus on my girl when i can. keeping this thought on the front burner of my mind throughout the day has made such a difference in our lives. everyone has been happier and so much more pleasant i must say! this special lunch hour is one of my conscious efforts as a mother to be fully present with my daughter, showing her how much i care with quality attention.
please, i'd love to hear some of your ideas regarding special times you share with one of your children.
i have two toddlers, ages 3 and 4. since they are rarely apart, i think of them as a pair. when we do have one-on-one time, it is always amazing to me that they are so different than when they are connected to the other. they have so much to say! commentary, questions, concerns, observations. of course, this happens at all times, but it's so different when the attention is fully centered upon them. my daughter is so funny, so quick. she is like her dad, and loves to make me laugh. she sings a lot, too. my son can be serious, logical and introspective, ruminating on various topics like a philosopher. do you know what i love about the times we are together? when they share secrets, or bring up their biggest concerns. it happens so quickly, so randomly: at a stop light, or in the grocery store line. things they would not say with the sibling next to them. it's the best.
ReplyDeletethis is so so beautiful. you are going to single-handedly increase my baby fever 1000X :)
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